Thursday, January 21, 2010

John Maxwell tells an interesting story about how Walt Disney categorized people. According to Disney, there are 3 types of people:The first type is the Well Poisoner. The Well Poisoner discourages you, stomps on your creativity and tells you what you can't do. When I lost everything I had, I took on several jobs. One was at a local Italian Restaurant. These Bastards went out of their way to treat me like a piece of crap and took pride in discouraging me. Bart, if you're reading this, you never knew it but I put dirty dishwater in your Diet Coke. Oh and before I forget . . . bite me!

The Second type is the Lawn Mower. The Lawn mower is well intentioned but self absorbed. They are more concerned with their own needs, their own lawns and never leave their yard to help someone else.

Finally, there is the Life Enhancer. They reach out to others and lift them up. They encourage others and inspire greatness

Painfully obvious self discovery question coming atcha in 3, 2, 1 . . . Which one are you? Maxwell suggests we ask ourselves: "Am I different things to different people?" In other words are you a life enhancer to a potential client but a lawn mower to your co workers? Perhaps we are life enhancers to our employees but well poisoners to our children?

Have you ever been on the receiving end of those types of inconsistencies? I remember the first time I experienced it, I was 18. I knew someone who's parents were very active in the church. In that world, they were life enhancers at a very high level. One day I called, asked to speak with my friend and was promptly told off by his mother and she hung up on me. The reason: because I didn't ask how she was doing before asking if I could speak with my friend. And that's where the disconnect hit me (literally) because I remember thinking "So at the Church you are the Saint but at home you are serving up a tall drink of Bitch?

How about you? Are you different things to different people?

If we were to gather your family, friends, clients, neighbors, those closest to you from your online network etc. What would they say about you? What do they say about you, when they have nothing to lose and you're not there? That my friend, is your brand!

I guess the final thought should be . . . Would their description of you be representative of your brand and ultimately, representative of the legacy you hope to one day leave behind?

Think about that; then get back to your life with some clarity and a mission to live it intentionally.

It might just be the missing piece you've been looking for!

Thanks for reading!

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13 comments:

Right on, Paul. Again, you hit the nail on the head...as usual, and for me your timing is perfect with this one. I've spent a great deal of time over the past several months pondering this very subject within myself, sometimes not liking what I found very much. Now, more than ever, I am continually reminded, "We are here in this life to be helpful to others, all others. Family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, strangers... makes no difference who. There is no higher purpose in life than service to others. Thanks for bringing this one today. - Kevin

@Marc W. Thank you. A little introspection can certainly go a long way!

@Kevin: Not only do I agree with your comment, I have to say that I wish I had that realization a little earlier than back in November 2008 when I started my online personal branding activities. Embracing that philosophy has provided me with incredible results and a sense of peace I've never experienced!

I do not agree with walt disney - as a number of years ago, I participated in course that broke people in to A, B, C & D personalities and of them there were several degrees such that you could be between A& B, A& C but unlikely to be in the center of A, B & C -

the A being the aggressive go getter

after filling out a 50 point form - and it was expected A's would stretch certain things versus B's, C's or D' personalities

Great posting Paul!I have dealt with a lot of "two-faced" people in my 70 years. I made a decision early in my life I would not be like that! Wherever you meet me, in a business meeting, at the mall, in our church or at home, you meet exactly the same person every time.That person, although not outgoing, is one who enjoys sowing into the lives of others, who does what he says he will do and believes the the Word of God is the final authority in all situations.The Lord blessed me with a wife who is also consistent in who she is and who believes in the same principals that I do. Maybe this will help others, I feel the reason we are were able to do this is that we were never swayed do try to please others by pretending to be someone we are not. If you do not like me I feel that is your problem not mine. I would like you to like me but I realize that I cannot be everything to everyone, so I will be me and take my chances.

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Paul Castain is the Vice President of Sales Development for Consolidated Graphics (CGX) one of North America’s leading general commercial printing companies. Paul has over 25 years of sales and sales leadership experience. He has trained, mentored and coached over 3,000 sales and sales leadership professionals. An accomplished public speaker, Paul has delivered numerous key note addresses. He has authored numerous training manuals, articles, blog posts and is currently working on his first book for release in 2011. Feel free to email Paul ctstrainer@yahoo.com.
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